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Ellis Genge issues peevish 7-word Tweet after shock England loss
England prop Ellis Genge has issued an angry seven-word social media message following his side’s latest dismal loss – this time a 30-22 collapse against Fiji in Twickenham.
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The defeat by Fiji was their first loss to the Islanders in eight meetings and the first time they have fallen to a current tier-two team, with the result expected to plunge them to an all-time lowest position of ninth in the global rankings.
The worst possible build-up to the World Cup has seen their record under Borthwick number only three wins in nine Tests and their critical Pool D opener against Argentina is only a fortnight away.
“Write us off now, all the best,” wrote Genge.
Write us off now, all the best.
— Gengey (@EllisGenge) August 27, 2023
He wasn’t the only one feeling pain following the loss.
Former captain Will Carling wrote: “I know it hasn’t aged well. But I live in hope. Slightly lost for words at the moment to be honest and pretty shattered. Am a proud Englishman and know those players are too, so feel for them.”
I know it hasn’t aged well. But I live in hope. Slightly lost for words at the moment to be honest and pretty shattered. Am a proud Englishman and know those players are too, so feel for them https://t.co/YtS80bERT7
— Will Carling (@willcarling) August 26, 2023
Borthwick refused to panic, however, as he outlined his belief that England will come good.
“I’m very confident with the all the people involved in the team – the players, the coaches, the management,” Borthwick said.
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“This isn’t the result that we wanted and we’re all disappointed. But the focus is to make sure we put in the performance we need against Argentina.
“We’ve got a very good group of talented players who we are sure will play exceptionally well against Argentina. I’m very happy with the squad we’ve got.
“I’ve been involved with other England teams before that have been under pressure, in difficult circumstances and facing adversity like the challenges we’ve faced – and they’ve come apart.
“What I sense is that this is a group that is coming even tighter together. We’re looking forward to getting into this World Cup.”
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additional reporting PA
England's biggest enemies are their media, fans and Clive Woodward.
Rassie rightly remarked that no-one remembers any games between World Cups. He has purposely lost so many tests in order to test combinations, bed down plays and build squad depth, that it ain't funny.
And check Siya and Nienaber after a win versus after a loss. Not a big difference, never crushed in defeat or buzzing in victory. Even after getting pumped in Auckland a couple of weeks ago. No drama, just some observations about things to work on.
The fact that Borthwick isn't getting carried away is a great sign for me, he is a top coach and he will eventually come right.
He needs to get some brawn into his squad, and the timing might be against him. But you never know, England always do well at the World Cup.
Already when I saw the smug arrogant relaxed smiles of English players when they sang their anthem I knew an upset is coming.
England has this attitude still, that they are better than anyone else. Maybe they should lose the arrogance, they have not much to show for it.
You lost to side that's improved immensely and will peak at the world cup. As for you where you are now is temporary. You may feel that the nation is against you, that's fine take it on your chin To the 33 players, your coach and his staff believes in you and know that you can accomplish the task that is ahead of you, one game at time. Your families and friends stand with you, they are with you on the highs and are even more closer to you on your lows. You, the 33 have to believe in yourselves. As a person, as a player in the back line, forward pack or impact bench the will to win is within you. Unleash the will to win. God bless.
Why is it that England media and fans turn so viciously on their sports teams? As a Scotland fan it’s anyone v England but that’s just banter and Schadenfreude. If anything it’s Ireland I really want toppled these days. A close defeat by an improving Fiji inflicted in a warm up game is meh. NZ got humped but who is writing off the ABs?
Genge has form with his childish outbursts. But at least we can agree and write off Eng.